FIFA Unveils $655 Million Prize Pool For Expanded 2026 World Cup
Historic Prize Increase for World Cup Champions
FIFA has fixed the winners’ prize money for the 2026 World Cup at $50 million, the highest payout in the tournament’s history. The decision reflects FIFA’s effort to align financial rewards with the expanded scale of the competition.
How the Money Will Be Shared
According to FIFA, the total prize pool for the tournament stands at $655 million, up from the 2022 World Cup. The runner-up will receive $33 million, third place $29 million, and fourth place $27 million. Even the lowest-ranked teams will earn $9 million, ensuring financial benefits for all 48 participating nations.
Club vs Country Debate
The announcement comes against the backdrop of criticism over FIFA’s $1 billion Club World Cup, where prize money far exceeded that of the World Cup. FIFA argued that clubs incur significantly higher costs, especially player salaries, justifying the larger payouts.
Federations Control Distribution
FIFA confirmed that $727 million will be distributed to participating football federations, leaving national bodies to decide how funds are shared with players. At the 2022 World Cup, reports suggested French players would have earned bonuses of over $580,000 each if they had won the final.
